In an effort to increase student events and bring larger acts to campus, the Union Activities Board and the Campus Center will merge this fall.
The new organization, called University Activities Board, will combine the efforts of the Union Activities Board and the Campus Center to provide more weekend entertainment for students as well as increase the number of social events at the Union.
“We started looking at Union Activities Board and Campus Center, and realized we were both planning many fun events,” Union Activities Board director Jodi Roberto Hancock said.
“We decided our resources would be better used by combining and using the talents and traditions of Union Activities Board and the Campus Center.”
The Campus Center opened in fall of 1999, and provides mainly weekend entertainment such as dances, comedians and movies.
The Union Activities Board was created in 1917, and aided in the construction of the original Union building.
The board holds more than 180 events per year at the Union, some of which include U-Fest, arts and crafts shows and socials.
“By coming together, we are increasing our strength not only on campus but as a buying power,” Hancock said. “We save money and won’t be competing - right now, we have separate officers and publicity. We are a perfect fit, and belong in one office.”
The merger will create nine paid board positions for undergraduate students, as well as volunteer positions for student coordinators.
Campus Center Manager Tami Kuhn said that joining the new University Activities Board would provide lasting experience to students.
“Students will learn how to utilize skills such as project management, supervising other undergrads and other good academic skills,” she said.
Students may also use the official board position as an internship.
“We’re hoping we can get more students involved in programming and implementation,” Kuhn said.
Kristen Rocca, vice-chair of program development, has served on the Union Activities Board for three years and plans to continue serving on the new board in 2001.
“By serving on the board, you gain further leadership skills, meet new people and do something really worthwhile on campus besides just studying,” the merchandising management junior said.
Those interested in applying for board positions can pick up applications in the Union Activities Board office, Room 322 of the Union. The board will also hold information sessions in the future for those interested in the positions.
